First, I want to respond to those wondering about the drilling at Lake Vostok. I got curious a few days ago and ran a Google search. From what the
article said, they had to close up shop for the winter, and have less than 70 feet to go. All things considered, it really does seem likely that the
weather is directly responsible for the halt, and nothing more. It's a treacherous & lethal environment in the winter. Heck, it still is in the
summer there.
Second, I'm not exactly up to speed on the Antarctic politics, but I'm wondering if the Treaty has something to do with not going down there
unapproved. Sort of like a No-Trespassing Allowed protected lands deal we see elsewhere on the planet. You can get in to those areas, albeit with
permission and hoop-jumping. I'm assuming the same goes for the Antarctic lands, especially with so many countries with territorial claims anyway. It
isn't a leap, considering there are many areas already considered protected areas that require permits to enter.
Antarctic Specially Protected Areas:
en.wikipedia.org...
Like I said, I think it may boil down to treaty politics, although I'm no expert on that. If you're agreeing to not exploit a region, it makes sense
to collectively not allow just any random someone to traipse around it as they please.